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A magnificent century from Andrew Poynter proved the difference in the final of the RSA Irish Senior Cup at Malahide on Saturday as Clontarf lifted the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.
Malahide played hosts for the final with the ground virtually unrecognisable as it prepares for next week’s RSA Challenge. Strong support turned out for both sides which saw the crowd fill one of the temporary stands for the big day.

Having lost both openers cheaply a superb partnership from Ireland’s John Anderson and overseas professional Brett Thompson got Merrion back on track and although both men fell short of their centuries, some late big hitting from Merrion captain Dom Joyce down the order saw his side up to 253. Zander Van Der Merwe’s 4 wicket haul was the highlight for the Castle Avenue side.

Bill Coghlan and Dom Rigby led off the chase for Clontarf and provided a solid if unspectacular platform until Simon Morrissey got the breakthrough for Merrion and when David Watkins had the second wicket it brought together Poynter and Botha at the crease. Poynter put on 89 with Botha and then 97 with captain Eoghan Delany to guide the chase expertly.

It was timed perfectly too, and despite losing Delany with just 11 needed to win Clontarf got past any late nerves to seal victory by 6 wickets to spark wild celebrations in the crowd.

In the end it was Poynter that won the match for his side with his unbeaten 102 making him a well deserved RSA Man of the Match

For the full scorecard please click here.

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